Display device



May 6, 1952 e. A. BISHOP ET.AL

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed Jan. 15, 1948 s p m why 5 MBME in L L3,. nm

and releasing display panels.

Patented May 6, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DISPLAY DEVICE Glenn A. Bishop, Wilmette, Robert 13. Bishop, Arlington Heights, and Charles E. Jones, Ohicago, Ill., assignors to Bishop Publishing Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application January 15, 1948, Serial No. 2,528

'9 Claims. (Cl. 40-125) stands be adjustable to accommodate displays of different sizes and in different arrangements and combinations.

It is therefore one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide a generally improved display device which, though inconspicuous, is ornamental and attractive in appearance as well as rugged and durable and capable of adjustment to accommodate different types and sizes of displays. More specifically, the invention aims to provide a display stand of the character mentioned which can be used singly and which can also be assembled or combined in groups to provide different display effects.

Another object is to provide a'display stand to support an upright panel which incorporates means for clamping or gripping one edge of a display panel, the gripping means being capable of supporting the panel at diiferent and preferably infinitely variable elevations. As afurther refinement of this aspect of the invention, the panel gripping means is so arranged as to be rotatable bodily while gripping and supporting a panel display in cantilever fashion so that the supported display can be turned to different positions.

A further object is to provide a supporting stand for display panels incorporating in combination a plurality of companion uprights for independently clamping the edges of different display panels, each of the uprights being actuatable independently of the others in gripping As a preferential arrangement the device includes a number of uprights mounted in closely spaced relation for independent turning movement on a common base or standard so that display panels mounted on the several uprights can .be rotated to differ- F ent angular positions with respect to one another while they are clamped and supported by the uprights. As a further refinement of this aspect of the invention closely spaced companion uprights are hinged or pivoted together in a pair or pairs at a plurality of points along their lengths so as to provide mutual support for one another in sustaining stresses imposed on the uprights when panel type displays are carried in cantilever fashion.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a display device in which elongated clamping members are arranged in pairs with confronting faces for engaging the opposite sides of a display panel to clamp and support the lat ter, means being provided for drawing the clamping members together, such means preferably operating positively to move such members apart to provide space for receiving a panel display therebetween as well as operating positively to move the clamping members together in gripping a panel and the actuating means being so disposed and arranged as to serve as stop means in locating display panels when the latter are placed between the clamping members.

Other objects and advantages such as the simplification of design and construction to eiiect economies in manufacture and assembly will .become apparent as the following detailed description proceeds. This description is made in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like parts throughout the several views are indicated by th same numerals of reference.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a twopanel single stand display embodying the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of the display, this view being taken substantially along a line indicated at 2-2 of Fig, 1 and enlarged with respect to that figure, the broken lines indicating optional positions to which the display panels can be ro- Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevational detail on an enlarged scale and with parts broken away and removed, showing the part of one of the frame or panel clamping uprights and a lower corner portion of one of the display panels;

Fig. 4 is a sectional detail with parts broken away and removed, taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

3. enlarged with respect to that figure showing one of the uprights and the reinforcing elements associated therewith;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional detail, with parts broken away and removed, taken substantially on the line indicated at l--'i of Fig. 1, and enlarged with respect to that figure;

Fig. 8 is a sectional detail through one of the frame members of the display panel, this view being taken substantially on the line indicated at 8-8 of Fig. l and enlarged with respect to that figure;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary elevational detail, partly in section and with parts broken away, showing. one corner of the display panel frame; and

Fig. is a front elevational view, partly diagrammatic, showing a triple panel displayusing two stands of the present invention.

The supporting unit or stand comprises a pair of uprights A and B arranged in closely spaced parallel relation to one another with their lower ends received in circular sockets l and 2 of a base or standard C. The base is of the spider type, being formed of metal as by casting and having four radially disposed foot portions 22 and an upstanding centrally disposed body portion lt integral with the foot portions. The sockets l and 2 are contained in the body portion of the base. Each of the uprights includes a pair of elongated clamping members 3 and i which are formed with confronting panel engaging faces 5 and 6. The clamping members, of substantially uniform section throughout their length, are preferably of metal, although other materials can be used, and

may be formed advantageously of aluminum or its alloys as by an extrusion process. Desirably the two clamping members of each upright are identical or substantially so since manufacturing economies are thereby obtained and an attractive and symmetric appearance is imparted to the stand.

At spaced intervals along the length of each upright the clamping members 3 and 4 thereof are connected by screw elements I having oppositely threaded ends which are received in aligned threaded holes formed in the clamping members. The outside surfaces of the clamping members may be fluted or contoured, as shown, to give an ornamental appearance to the uprights. Along the centralportion of each upright is formed a longitudinally extending recess or groove 8 into which open the threaded holes for the screws 7.

Along their inside or confronting faces 5 and 6 the clamping members are formed with a number of spaced parallel longitudinally extending sharp edged ridges '9 and iii. The ridges 9 are disposed along the marginal side edges of the clamping members while the ridges ID are spaced inwardly from the edges, being located between such edges and'the center line of the uprights along which are located the actuating screws '7. The ridges 9 and IQ of one clamping member are by reason of the identical character of the clamping members located directly opposite the like ridges of the companion clamping member so that when the clamping members are drawn together against the opposite sides of a. display panel or show card, the ridges of the two members cooper ate with one another, biting into the opposite sides orfaces of the panel to maintain a secure .grip thereon.

Against the outer fluted or curved surfaces of the clamping members. The reinforcing elements.

clamping members, suchffor example, as about one half the height of the uprights as shown in Fig. 1 wherein the upper ends of the reinforcing elements are indicated at it. The lower ends of the reinforcing elements extend downwardly into the cylindrical sockets i and 2 of the base C and are somewhat segmental in shape, outer faces I5 of the reinforcing-elements being of cylindrical contour so as to provide continuous'bearing surfaces for contact with the socket walls. In short stands and those not requiring considerable strength in the uprights the reinforcing members or elements i! and i2 are relatively short, with their upper ends substantially flush with the top of the body portion E3 of the base C.

Between the lower end of the clamping members 3 and d and preferably wholly within the sockets i and 2 are spacers it which may be in the form of elongated blocks of rectangular cross section formed of aluminum or other solid material. These spacers hold the clamping members apart, the latter in turn holding the reinforcing elements i i and i2 against the walls of the sockets. The spacers i6 fit between the inner ridges is of the clamping members and are held in place by through binders or post fasteners located below the upper edges of the sockets l andZ of the base. One of the binders is shown to comprise headed post H and mating screw lfi-which extend through aligned holes or apertures i9, 29 and 2| in the spacing block, clamping members, and reinforcing elements, respectively. The heads of the post H and screw 58 are recessed or countersunk below the outer faces 45 of the reinforcing elements. Thus the parts making up the lower ends of the uprights A and B are held firml together in predetermined fixed relation as complete units for insertion into and withdrawal from the base sockets I and 2.

As will later appear, the uprights can be rotated or turned in the base sockets to different positions in arranging'or setting up a display. Set screws are threaded through the base G into the sockets I and 2 to engage the reinforcing elements H and [2 within the sockets for the purpose of retaining the uprights in the base and to prevent turning of the uprights after adjustment. In Fig. 7 the set screws for the socket i are indicated at 23, similar set screws being provided for the socket 2.

In the construction of uprights of the type in which the reinforcing elements H and 12 extend out of the sockets above the top of the base C to intermediate points along the lengths of the clamping members 3 and hmeans is provided for securely attaching each of the reinforcing elements against the outside of its companion clamping strip. Such means maytake the form OffiSGIiGS of vertically spaced screws 24 (Fig. 6) which extend through aligned central openings in the clamping members and are'screwed into threaded drill holes or sockets 25 in the reinforcing elements. These screws are located intermediate and in alternating relation to the ,oppositely threaded connecting screws 1 which are used to draw the clamping members together and to separate the clamping members in mounting and demounting panel displays. The reinforcing elements are each formed witha series of apertures 26 (Fig. l) which register with the adjusting screws 1 to provide access to the latter by a screw driver or other tool.

At spaced intervals along their lengths, the uprights A and B are inter-connected for mutual support by hinges 21. These hinges are of the type comprising fiat straps 23 and 29 connected together by a common pivot pin 30. The straps 28 extend between the clamping members of the upright A while the straps 29 extend between the clamping members of the upright B, all of the straps being apertured at 3i to receive the actuating screws 1 which serve to support the straps and to retain the latter between the clamping members. The apertures 3i are appreciably larger than the screws 1 so as to provide a relatively loose fit between the parts, permitting limited rotation or turning of the uprights relative to one another. The number of connecting hinges employed varies with the type and weight of display to be carried by the stand. For general use it has been found satisfactory to use about three of the connecting hinges 2?, one being at the upper end of the uprights and the others being spaced along the length of the uprights at intermediate points. Likewise the number of connecting or actuating screws 1 may be varied, it having been found desirable to space them uniformly along the lengths of the uprights, about ten to twelve inches apart.

The stands or uprights of the present inven-- tion can be used to support various types and sizes of displays such as posters, signs, and cards, the edges of which are inserted between and clamped by the members 3 and 4 at the desired elevation. Panel displays of particular usefulness in combination with the present stand are indicated at R- and L. These panels, by reason of their construction and arrangement of parts, have increased strength and permanence as well as being attractive in appearance. Each comprises a frame formed of top and bottom channel members 33 and 34 and side members 35 and 3B. The side member 35 as well as the top and bottom members 33 and 34 are of thin sectioned metal such as aluminum, which may be rolled, extruded, or otherwise formed to the desired channel shape providing relatively deep flanges 31 and 38 and a relatively narrow web 39.

At the top and bottom meeting corners the channel frame members are mitered and held together by fiat metal angle reinforcements 40 which are attached internally of the channels by means of short screws 4!. These screws extend through openings in the channel flanges 3'! and are screwed into threaded openings in the angle members 40.

The side members (it are of elongated thin strap like metal such as aluminum or steel and at their top and bottom ends are formed with right angle extensions, one of the lower end extensions being indicated at 43 (Fig. 3). These lateral extensions on the flat side members 36 are received indicated at 45, the edges thereof being received within the channels 33, 34 and 35 of the display panels. At spaced intervals the flanges of the channels are drilled and tapped to receive long screws 48 which bear against the sides of the Qil cards or posters 45 to retain the latter within the frame channels.

The cards or posters 45 of each panel are formed or cut to extend across and overlap substantially the entire width of the side member 36 so that when each display panel is assembled with one of the uprights, the edge of the cardboard sign or panel 45 and the flat metal side member 36 of the display frame are together received between the confronting faces 5 and 6 of the clamping members. The edge of the panel sheet or cardboard 45 is disposed flatwise against the frame side member 36 and, when the screws 1 are turned to draw the clamping members toward one another, the sharp ridges 9 and I0 bite into the cardboard and frame member 36 to clamp the parts firmly together and to prevent shifting and relative movement between the parts.

When the clamping members 3 and 4 are moved apart by reverse turning of the connecting screws 1 to the open position shown in Fig. 5, the panel displays are readily inserted therebetween and are located by being abutted against the screws 1 or against the ends of the hinges 21 which are carried by the screws. Thus the screws serve as limiting means to facilitate the mount.- ing of the display panel edges parallel to the vertical axes of the uprights.

After the display panel or panels have been mounted on the uprights at the desired elevation or elevations and while they are supported thereby in cantilever fashion as shown. in Figs. 1 and 2, the individual display panels can be turned to different positions such as indicated by the broken lines of Fig. 2. The set screws 23 in the base are loosened during such adjustment and are then tightened to prevent turning of the uprights A and B in the base sockets, to retain the display panels in adjusted positions. Thus the angular positions of the display panels can be changed at will after they have been mounted in the uprights. This feature is important in stores and salesrooms where it may be desired frequently to change the angular positions of the displays without moving the bases or strands and without raising or lowering the positions of the panels in the uprights.

Advantages derived from the use of means such as the oppositely threaded screws 1 for positively spreading apart as well as drawing together the clamping members include the ability to spread the clamping members in one vertical zone to insert or adjust the position of a panel while at the same time in another zone the clamping" members are held together to hold another panel. 1

The stands and panels can be assembled and arranged in various combinations, a modification being shown somewhat diagrammatically inFig. 10 wherein stands D and E each comprising a pair of the uprights A and B previously described, cooperate to support between them a relatively large display panel F. This display panel is constructed similarly to the display panels R and L previously described, having top and bottom channel members corresponding to the channels 33 and 34 and spaced parallel side members both of which correspond to the thin strip side member 36 previously described in connection with Fig. 3. In addition to the relatively large central panel F, the standards D and E carry, in cantilever fashion, relatively smaller panels G and H. The display panels G and. H correspon'd in.construction to the display; panels:; R-

7 rights ..A and B, while. servingtdmutuallysupportend: stabilize one anotherare capable. of being actuated, separately onindividually 111.25? sembling display. panels therewith. Thus the display panel held by the. upright A may .be .assembled with the stand at'a different time'and disposed/at a different elevation than the display panel held bythe upright B. Furthermore, in. replacing or changing :the individualfdisplays, one .panelcan be removed or shifted :longitudinally along the clamping upright or uprights withoutz'disturbing or interferring: with the positions or arrangements. ofithe other. panels carriedin the completeldis'play;

By making the clamping memberst and tend also the reinforcing membersi ll and Jl2qof..uniform: section throughoutctheir:lengthsand also identical" to one anotherv they can be cut to length from continuous strip' material, or at least; from long :lengths formed quickly. and cheaply by" conventional rolling. or extruding processes. This particular arrangementiisj also of-advantagev in. producing stands of difierent heights to suit, the needsof the trade, In such case, the long or continuous: strips of uniform section are .merely cut to thedesired lengths, to provide clampingmembers of the proper height. Similarly the. strips from which the reinforcing members aremade are cut to such length as may be required for the latter.

.The'principles of the: present inventionmay beutilized in various ways, numerous modifications and, alterations being contemplated, substitution ,of parts and changes in construction be n resortedto as desired, it being understood that theembodiments shown in the drawings anddescribed above are given merely for purposes of explanation and illustration without intending to limit the scope of the claim to the specific detailsdisclosed.

What we claim is:

1 In a display device, a base having a circular socket therein, a pair of elongated clamping members. disposed in closely spaced upright substantially parallel confronting relation with their lower ends within said socket, a spacing element disposed between. said lower ends of the members to'hold the latter apart and against the socket Walls, and means connecting the clamping members and operable to draw the same together for cooperatively gripping a display therebetween to support the display substantially in the parting plane of the members, the clamping members being rotatable in the base socket while clamping a display whereby the clamped display can be adjusted to different positions with respect to the base.

7 2'; In a display device, a base having-a circular socket therein, a pair of elongated clamping members disposed in closely spaced upright substantially parallel confronting relation with their lower ends within'said socket, segmental elements disposed in the socket between the socket walls andthe clamping members to locate the latter in the socket, and means connecting the clamping members and operable to draw the same together for cooperatively gripping a display therebetween to support the display substantially in the parting plane of the members, the clamping members being rotatable in the base socket while clamping a display whereby the clamped display can beadjuste'd to diiierentjpositions with stantially parallel confronting relation-with their lower ends within said-socket,;segmental elementsdisposed in the socket between the socket walls and the clamping members to locate the: latter in the socket, a spacing elementdisposed betweensaid lower ends of the members to hold the latter. apart and against the socket walls, and means connecting the clamping membersand operable to draw the same together for cooperatively gripping a display therebetween to support the display substantially in the partingplane otthe members, the clamping members being ;rotatabl'e. in the base socket while clampinggadisplay whereby the clamped display;canbesadll fited to different positions with respect to the base;

4. In a display device, a base having acircular socket therein, a pair of elongated clamping members disposed in closely spaced upright substantially parallel confronting relationrwith their lower ends within said socket, segmental elements disposed in the socket betweengthe, socket walls and the clamping members to locate the latter in the socket, said elements extending upwardly out of the socket and along the sidesof the clamping members to reinforcejthealatter; and means connecting the clamping members and operable to draw the same together for cooperatively gripping a display therebetween to support the display substantially in the parting plane of the members, the clamping members being rotatable in the basesocket while clamping .a display whereby the clamped display can be adjusted to difierent positions with respect to the base.

5. In a display device, a base having a circular socket therein, a pair of "elongated clamping members disposed in closely spaced upright substantially parallel confronting relation with their lower ends within saidsocket, segmental elements disposed in the socket between the socket walls and the clamping members to locate the latter in the socket, means-extruding through the lower ends of the clamping members, the segmental elements, and the spacing element to hold the members and elements together for insertion into and withdrawal from the socket as a unit. a

6. A display device comprising a base having circular sockets therein, a pair of substantially parallel elongated uprights mounted on the base with their lower ends disposed in thesockets for turning movement, means hingingthe uprights together at a plurality of points along their length to permit relative turning of the uprights in the base sockets and with respect to one another while providing mutual support, and means associated with at least-one of the uprights for securing a display thereto; I

'l. A display device comprising a base having circular sockets therein, a pair of substantially parallel elongated uprights mounted 'onthe base with their lower ends disposed inthe sockets for turning movement, each upright including separable members movable toward and away from one another in receiving and clamping a display therebetween, means hinging the -up rights together at a plurality of points along their length to permit relative turning of the uprights in the base sockets and with respect to one another while providing mutual support and means for drawing together the members of each upright to clamp the same upon a re ceived display.

8. A display stand comprising a pair of uprights disposed in close substantially parallel relation and means hinging the uprights together for relative turning movement and for mutual support, at least one of the uprights including members movable toward and away from one another to receive and clamp a display therebetween, and means connecting said members to hold the same in fixed relation, said holding means being operable in one direction to spread the movable members to receive a display and being operable in a reverse direction to draw the members to clamp a received display.

9. In a display device a pair of elongated display clamping members disposed in confronting relation and formed with opposed gripping faces, a display comprising a panel substantially surrounded by a frame of channel members and a substantially flat connecting strip, the latter extending between the spaced ends of a pair of the channel members, the connecting strip being disposed flatwise against the panel, and the connecting strip and the panel together being disposed between the opposed gripping faces of the clamping members and being adjustable together to difierent positions along the length of the clamping members, and elements extending between the clamping members for drawing the same together to grip therebetween the connecting strip and panel of the display, said elements being spaced along the length of the clamping members substantially in alignment with one another and serving as stops for engagement with the connecting strip and panel to locate the display between the clamping members.

GLENN A. BISHOP.

ROBERT B. BISHOP.

CHARLES E. JONES.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

